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Learn about Tacoma Narrows Airport’s draft water system plan June 23

Pierce County’s draft plan for Tacoma Narrows Airport’s water system will be presented at a June 23 public meeting at the airport.

The draft plan covers how the county manages and operates the water system, and describes system needs in the next 20 years. The plan found that the airport’s water system is well-equipped and doesn’t require any urgent upgrades or modifications.

“The water system plan addresses topics such as increasing connections to meet projected need, setting goals for water conservation, and recommended maintenance,” said Deb Wallace, Pierce County Public Works airport and ferry administrator. “Airport users and community members are invited to learn more about this plan, and provide their feedback.”

The June 23 meeting will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. at Pierce County’s office, located at 1202 26th Ave. NW in Gig Harbor. The meeting will include a formal presentation by Northwest Water Systems, the company that developed the plan, and an opportunity for public comment.

The plan is required by the Washington State Department of Health before the county can add additional connections. While the actual growth rate at the airport is difficult to determine, the plan projects that three new connections will be needed in six years, with another eight needed in 20 years.

State law requires municipal water systems such as the one at Tacoma Narrows Airport to identify water use efficiency goals. Pierce County Public Works has set a goal of reducing water usage by 10 percent by 2020. The plan calls for Pierce County to install service meters on the 19 existing connections by the end of 2016. These meters will help Pierce County Public Works track usage, identify ways to save water and evaluate the system for leaks.

The plan also calls for Pierce County to add water conservation language to all new and renewed leases. Water service is included in leases with connections. All new connections would be required to go through a review and approval process if the plan is adopted.

Maintenance needed in the next six years includes making minor repairs to the airport hydrants and sealing the pump house. The plan also recommends within 20 years replacing the system’s two-inch galvanized water lines that connect businesses on the east side of the airport to the system.

Once the plan is adopted by Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy and the Pierce County Council, it will be sent to the state Department of Health for final approval.